Tao Te Ching #70: “And so we remain unknown”

My sayings are very easy to recognize,and very easy to apply.But no one in the world can recognize them,and no one can apply them.Sayings have a source,events have a leader.It is only through ignorance that I am not known.Those who know me are rare;those who emulate me are noble.This is why sages dress plainly,and conceal what is precious.

– Thomas Cleary

My words are easy to understandand easy to practicebut no one understands themor puts them into practicewords have an ancestordeeds have a masterthe reason I’m not understoodit’s me who isn’t understoodbut because so few understand methus am I esteemedsages therefore wear coarse clothand keep their jade concealed

– Red Pine

What we say is easy to knowAnd easy to do,But the world does not know its worthAnd does not act upon it.Though we speak with an ancestral sanctionAnd serve on high authority,Yet this remains unknownAnd so we remain unknown.And the less that we are known,More precious our followers.For this reason men of wisdom Wear rough garb and the gem in the heart.